Creating a universal digital experience starts with understanding your users and their needs.
People with disabilities interact with websites and digital tools in a wide range of ways. Ensuring accessibility means ensuring everyone—regardless of ability—can access, understand, and interact with your content.
Below is a guide to the major types of disabilities to consider when designing and developing digital assets, along with the tools commonly used by individuals in each group.
Visual Disabilities
Visual disabilities include full blindness, low vision, and color blindness. Users may be unable to see content or distinguish certain colors or elements on the page.
Common tools and assistive technologies:
- Screen Readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack
- Screen Magnifiers: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier
- Braille Displays: Refreshable braille output devices
- High Contrast or Color Filters: Windows High Contrast mode, browser-based extensions
- Text-to-Speech Software: Read&Write, Kurzweil 3000
Hearing Disabilities
Hearing disabilities include partial or complete hearing loss, affecting a user’s ability to perceive spoken content or audio cues.
Common tools and assistive technologies:
- Captions: Closed captions on videos (YouTube, Vimeo, Kaltura, etc.)
- Transcripts: Full-text versions of audio or video content
- Visual Notifications: Flashing alerts or on-screen indicators instead of audio
- Assistive Listening Devices: Used in live or hybrid events
Motor (Physical) Disabilities
Motor disabilities may affect mobility or dexterity, including tremors, paralysis, or the inability to use a mouse or keyboard in typical ways.
Common tools and assistive technologies:
- Keyboard-Only Navigation: Tab, Enter, and arrow keys
- Voice Recognition Software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition
- Alternative Input Devices: Eye-tracking, head pointers, sip-and-puff switches
- Adaptive Keyboards and Switches: Hardware tailored to limited motion
Cognitive & Learning Disabilities
Cognitive and learning disabilities include dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, memory impairments, and processing disorders. These may affect attention, comprehension, or navigation.
Common tools and assistive technologies:
- Text-to-Speech Tools: NaturalReader, Read&Write
- Simplified Content Viewers: Browser extensions that strip complex formatting
- Focus Aids: Timers, reminders, and scheduling apps
- Distraction Reduction Tools: Read mode, focus assist features in browsers or devices
Speech Disabilities
Speech disabilities affect the ability to speak clearly or at all, impacting voice-based interactions such as voice assistants or video conferencing.
Common tools and assistive technologies:
- Text-Based Communication Options: Live chat, contact forms, email
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Devices: Proloquo2Go, TouchChat
- Speech-to-Text Alternatives: Live captions, transcription services
Seizure Disorders (Photosensitivity)
Photosensitive epilepsy and other seizure disorders can be triggered by flashing or flickering visual content, especially between 2 to 55 Hz.
Common tools and assistive technologies:
- Motion Reduction Settings: “Reduce Motion” settings in operating systems and browsers
- Flicker-Free Design Guidelines: Avoiding blinking or flashing content
- User-Controlled Media: Play/pause controls for animations and videos